4th August, 2017
In order to free the citizenry from the present security challenges facing the nation, there is the need for both appropriate application of technology on intelligence gathering and effective community policing that will strengthen the bond between relevant security agencies and members of the public.
This view was expressed on Friday by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode at the 2017, Inspector General of Police Conference, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Adetokunbo Ademola, Victoria Island , Lagos, Southwest
According to him, developing effective solution to emerging security challenges must take into consideration the deployment of appropriate technology and strengthening bond with people through community policing.
Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule said that the security challenges facing the country were surmountable with the adoption of right strategies and strong synergy between security agencies and members of the public.
The governor said that the nature and sophistication of crime and criminal activities changes in direct proportion to human advancement.
While emphasising the need for state police for effective crime control, Ambode stated that effective community policing cannot be achieved without the involvement of local residents who knows the nooks and crannies of those communities.
“Although the issue of State Police has not gained the desired consensus, I believe that it is the panacea for effective policing that is community based”.
”It is a common knowledge that the numerical strength of the Nigeria Police as at today fall short of the Minimum requirement relative to our population.
”For instance Lagos State, with the population of over 22 million, has less than 30, 000 police officers. This shortfall can be bridged to some extent with the deployment of appropriate technology and close relationship between the people and the police, ” he said.
Ambode commended the police for their efforts in combating crime across the country, promising that the state government will continue to partner with the police to ensure security of lives and property in Nigeria and the state.
In his welcome address, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris said that the efforts of the police in protecting lives and property in Nigeria must be a major concern to all.
Idris said that since his assumption of office as the 19th IGP, strategies of crime fighting and detection had recorded huge success based on the number of kidnappers and armed robbery suspects arrested and killed.
”The police has been recording successes but they cannot do it alone, which is why we are having this lecture.
”There has to be synergy among security agencies and the civilian populace to effectively deal with the challenges of security in the country.
”The police needs the collaboration of the communities in terms of information, intelligence and other support to fight crime and criminalities.
”We need the support of all Nigerians, more funding, manpower, technological and scientific support, as well as welfare and motivation for police officers to win the battle against the security challenges confronting the country, ”Idris said
In his lecture, a Professor of Criminology, Etannibi Alemika said that partnership between the citizens and security agencies, especially the police was a precondition for effective crime control and efficient criminal justice system.
According to him, the police efforts will be ineffective if they lack the support of the public.
Alemika also identified intelligence, crime analysis, adequate funding, human resources development and management of the police force as factors that could ensure effective policing and security.
While commending Lagos state for major reforms in the judiciary he noted has helped in quick dispensation of justice Alemika said the establishment of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has being of great value to effective policing and crime control in the state, calling on other state to pay serious attention to policies that could curb crime, promote good governance and enhance economic growth.